Chapter 94 A Thief

Chapter 94 A Thief
"We are here to celebrate the launch of Steele Group's new construction firm, Steele Construction." Mark said into the microphone as he stood on stage and applause erupted throughout the hall.

It was a few days later. Ariadne had taken over as CEO of Steele Construction, and the company had thrown a party to celebrate it's launch. The party was attended by Steele Group's important employees and business partners, as well as their families. They also invited other influential people, including Xander. 

"We have worked hard to get here today. Congratulations to the entire team behind this company. I firmly believe that this company will grow and become one of the best in the country." 

Another round of applause followed.

"Now I would like to invite Miss Ariadne Miller, the CEO of the construction company, to the stage." 

Mark looked at Ariadne, who was standing in front of the crowd. She smiled as she walked over to the stage. Mark stepped away from the podium to give her space.

"Thank you." she said. "It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to work for Steele Construction. I would like to thank Mark Steele for this. I'll do my best to help the company achieve greater success." 

"We have no doubt about it." Mark said from next to her, making her laugh.

They were unaware that a pair of eyes were fixed on them. Xander remained in the corner, drinking his wine. He was observing Ariadne, who appeared to be enjoying herself at the party. She seemed really relaxed and at ease with Mark. She wasn't like this with him. He clenched his jaw at the thought.

"They look good together." Someone said.

He turned and noticed a group of women nearby. He returned his gaze to the stage.

"They're childhood friends. I'm curious if this's just a business collaboration or if there's something going on between them as well." Another one added.

Xander listened to the gossip with a stern expression.

"On this auspicious occasion, I've another big news. We have now partnered with Blake Corporation on the Grace Children's Hospital project. It will be Steele Construction's first project." Mark announced.

Murmurs echoed throughout the hall, and all eyes turned to Xander.

"Let's welcome Mr. Xander Blake to the stage."

Ariadne scanned the crowd until her gaze fell on him. Their eyes met. Xander placed his glass on the counter and began walking toward the stage. People moved to make way for him. He exuded an aura that demanded attention and respect as he walked like a king. Xander approached the stage and stood next to Ariadne.

"Mr. Blake has something to say to everyone." Mark said before stepping aside. 

Xander moved to the podium and adjusted the microphone. He looked around the crowd, and there was silence.

"As you all know, we were unable to continue our project with the Watson Group. But we really liked Miss Miller's design and want the hospital to follow it. So we will build with the same design that Miss Miller created. We collaborated this time with the Steele Group."

The crowd applauded as he explained.

"I've something else to say."

Ariadne smiled, knowing what he was going to say. Everyone looked at him with curiosity. 

After a brief pause, Xander went on. "I've three kids. Unfortunately, my youngest son was born with defective legs."

Everyone gasped as they heard it.

"Fortunately, his condition was curable, and he's now able to walk after a lengthy series of treatments."

"I had never thought about disabled children. But after seeing my own child go through it, I realize how painful it is. There are numerous handicapped children in the world. My son was fortunate that he was able to overcome his defect after receiving treatment. However, many children couldn't because of the lack of treatment."

"I have decided to help such children as much as I can. We have established a new organization to help disabled children all over the world. Today, I'm introducing it to the world." he said before taking a step back and pointing to the covered board behind him.

A man approached him with scissors, which he handed to Ariadne. Ariadne cut the ribbon and removed the cover, revealing the name of the trust.

"Anyone who is interested can donate to the Blake Organization for Disabled Children." Xander announced.

As they exited the stage, everyone approached to congratulate them. Some expressed an eagerness to donate to the organization. After talking to everyone, Xander went to the far corner for some fresh air.

"Hello, Mr. Blake. May I join you?" Mark asked as he approached him.

"Sure." Xander said, taking a sip of his wine.

"You handled everything exceptionally well. Thank you for standing with Aria." Mark said.

"She's the mother of my children. It's my responsibility." Xander frowned.

"Yeah. Ofcoarse." he paused and cleared his throat. He appeared hesitant.

"Say it already." Xander said, irritated, realizing he had something to say.

Mark smiled awkwardly. "Um... Do you still love Aria?"

Xander was caught off guard by the question.

"I mean... I want to know what your current relationship is with her." Mark explained.

"Why?" Xander asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

"She said you two just came to an agreement to give your children a better environment. You're not in a relationship. Is this true?" 

"Yes." Xander said, averting his gaze from Mark. He looked around the crowd and saw Ariadne talking with a few businessmen.

"So you no longer want her?"

"I do. But she doesn't want me anymore." Xander accepted with a sigh, his gaze fixed on Ariadne.

Mark looked in the direction of his gaze and noticed her as well.

"Oh.. I can understand." he said.

"No, you can't. Why are you asking this?" he became irritated. 

"Can I pursue her since you are not together?" Mark asked abruptly.

"What?" Xander was stunned by the man's audacity. He narrowed his gaze at him.

However, Mark appeared to be serious. He met his gaze confidently.

"I've liked her since childhood, but she only saw me as a friend. She was commited to you, so I never expressed my feelings."

"I never came between you two. But now that you're no longer together, I want to try my luck. I believe she deserves to be happy in life... She needs a man in her life." he tried to make his point.

Xander's jaw tightened as he heard him. Silence fell.

"If she wants you, I'll not stop you two." Xander said after a while. "But never hurt her, or I'll never leave you in peace." he warned.

"I'll never hurt her. Thank you for understanding. Please excuse me." Mark said, smiling, before leaving his side.

Xander's heart ached as Mark approached Ariadne. He felt suffocated and left the party early.

..... 

"Here you are, drinking away your sorrows." Toby said when he spotted him in the dark corner.

Xander went back to his penthouse after meeting with the kids. The conversation with Mark had left him shaken. He needed some alone time.

"Get lost." he said. He was sitting on the couch, holding a glass of wine.

Toby sighed. Just as things seemed to be calming down, another issue arose. However, this was the main issue. Even though everything else had fallen into place, Xander and Ariadne's relationship remained broken. At this point, it had also become complicated.

"Why don't you pursue her?"

"She doesn't want me."

"So you're going to sit and watch another man take her away from you?" Toby saw what happened at the party and was concerned for his friend.

"Perhaps I deserve it. It's my karma." Xander replied. His voice was broken.

"Good. Do nothing and allow your regret to consume you." Toby shook his head and walked out of the room.

.......... 

Several days had passed. Ariadne had started working at her new office. It was located in the same building as Mark. They began spending more time together.

Xander remained quiet as he kept an eye on everything. He was holding out hope that Ariadne would reject Mark. But when he saw them together, he began to doubt that as well. They were close. He could say that. He felt helpless. 

He was jolted out from his thoughts when someone tugged at his arm. He looked down and saw Autumn. 

"Hey. What happened?" he asked.

"Daddy... I like these." she lifted the two dolls in her hands. "Can I keep them both?" she asked with pleading eyes.

"Of course. You can keep whatever you like."

"Thank you, Daddy. You're the best." her eyes lit up and she dashed toward the toy section.

Xander sighed as he found himself alone again.

"Is this how you're going to remain their favourite? By spoiling them... so that their uncle Mark doesn't surpass you?" Toby said from behind. His tone was mocking.

Xander glared at him. "Shut up."

"If things continue as they are, Mark will soon be their father instead of uncle." Toby added, ignoring his death glare.

Xander clenched his jaw. "What can I do if she likes him?"

He had been watching Mark's approach to Ariadne with close attention. Strangely enough, the two men had recently begun to converse frequently. Mark had informed him that he was going to propose Ariadne at their next meeting. Since then, Xander had become consumed by the thought of losing Ariadne forever. He couldn't concentrate on anything.

He had taken the kids for shopping at the mall. Ariadne and Mary came along. But he was lost in his fear as he stood at the corner while others went shopping.

"You have to pursue her." 

"That will be rude. She has made it clear that she doesn't want to do anything with me. She's talking with me nicely for the kids. I can't force her to like me."

"If you want to win your woman back you need to be shameless, and even characterless." 

Xander frowned at him. "What will she think of me if I act shamelessly?

"You're a lost case." Toby shook his head.

Xander turned around in annoyance and noticed Ariadne approaching him. He swallowed.

"Xander... What's this?" Ariadne asked. She appeared angry.

"What happened?" he asked.

"You told Autumn to take whatever she wants! She has now taken so many dolls."

"So what?" he was confused.

"You're spoiling her." she stated with a frown.

"She's my little princess. Let her have what she likes." Xander said proudly. 

"Seriously!?" Ariadne shook her head in disbelief.

A commotion broke out at the counter, drawing their attention.

"She's a thief. Hand her over to the police." An employee yelled.

Ariadne walked towards the scene. Two employees grabbed a woman by her hands. The woman wore a hoodie and had a mask on her face. She was attempting to escape their clutches. Hearing the commotion, more people rushed to the scene.

"Remove her mask." The staff said.

One of the women removed the mask. Ariadne's eyes widened in surprise when she saw the woman's face. 

"Crystal?"